Pro Spotlight: 3 Ways to Make the Most of a Home Remodel

Spazio LA

91 Reviews

Sponsored Content

Who: Essi Safdie of Spazio LA
Where: North Hollywood, California
In his own words: “I love the fact that every project we do is different, from the client to the design to the construction.”

It’s exciting to get started on a home remodeling project. But before they jump into construction, designer Essi Safdie also tells people to take their time and understand the process. “It’s important to do things step by step to get what you want without making mistakes,” the co-founder of Spazio LA in North Hollywood says.

Spazio LA

A change of focus. Designing and building his own home led Safdie, who had studied art in his native Argentina and at Temple University in Philadelphia, to switch his focus from high-end jewelry design to residential design. “That project sparked a huge fire in me, and I wanted to make that part of my everyday life,” he says. Safdie and builder David Veltman founded the North Hollywood design-build firm Spazio LA in 2005.

Spazio LA

A design-based approach. Safdie tells homeowners not to rush the design phase. “It’s when we all get a better idea of what you want to do and the costs,” he says. He adds that once the plan is in place, they can add to it from there.

Looking for ways to give your home a new look? Safdie shares some tips below.

Spazio LA

1. Change Things Up

Look at your existing home with new eyes to decide what you need. “The homeowners bought their home from family members and wanted to make it their own,” Safdie says of the complete remodel of this La Cañada Flintridge home, which had never been touched.

Safdie’s design added a second story to increase living space, which also allowed him to add four luxurious bathrooms. He created a new open floor plan on the main level, subtly defining different areas with wood beams, wainscoting and a coffered ceiling. The interior is now more open to the outdoor areas, which were also redone. “It’s now their final home, designed for the family and pets,” Safdie says.

See more of this project

Spazio LA

2. Move Things Around

Use a planned addition to rethink ways to use existing space. “The homeowners wanted to expand a one-story house on a smaller lot, so we went up,” Safdie says.

The primary suite in this Sherman Oaks home is now in the second-story addition. Safdie transformed the original primary suite into a space for the new staircase, a laundry area, a powder room and an additional bathroom. “It was a challenge to get the design right, but it’s a huge improvement,” Safdie says.

See more of this project

Spazio LA

3. Take Things Outside

Update an outdated outdoor space. “This Sherman Oaks couple asked us to give their dated pool and yard a modern look,” Safdie says.

He replaced the existing pool with a custom-designed zero-edge one with a spa and a small Baja ledge. He then surrounded it with a two-level ipe wood deck that cantilevers out from the back hillside. A fire pit area and a covered lounging area sit to one side. The new outdoor kitchen opens to a play area in the side yard. LED lights throughout give the yard a nighttime glow. “It’s a nice balance of elements with different zones for entertaining,” Safdie says.

See more of this project

More: For more information on Essi Safdie and examples of his work, visit Spazio LA’s Houzz profile.

This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.